15 September 2014
The Hungaroring hosts 92 000 spectators for the return of the World Series by Renault
Like the Hungarian editions since 2007, the World Series by Renault enjoyed a new and frank success at the Hungaroring. Following the traditional summer break, 92,000 spectators braved the rain to take in the fifth round of a season that has been particularly rich in action. The Fast, Free & Fun event offered by Renault Sport Technologies saw Roberto Merhi (Zeta Corse) and Norman Nato (DAMS) take top honours in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series where the fight for the title is as undecided as ever. In the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Andrea Pizzitola (Manor MP Motorsport) and Jack Aitken (Fortec Motorsports) were victorious, while Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) increased his lead in the general classification. The weekend will also be remembered for the demonstrations by David Coulthard in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show and those of Jean Ragnotti, as well as the New Renault Twingo!
Miklos Marothy, General Manager Renault Hungary: “This year marks the eighth edition of the World Series by Renault at the Hungaroring. We are happy about this loyalty and the confidence Renault has shown in us. In spite of difficult weather, the event was yet another frank success thanks to the automobile and sport fervor that reigns in Hungary. In addition to the attractions of the World Series by Renault, we bring a local dimension to our customers with the presence of guide dogs for the blind, blood donation stands, a road safety awareness booth and the display of the Renault and Dacia line of cars of course! Everyone can experience the World Series by Renault in their own way thanks to a truly fantastic programme, which is tangible proof that Renault offers an accessible sporting event. Sport is part of Renault’s DNA!”
Formula Renault 3.5 Series: Roberto Merhi closes in on Carlos Sainz
Well placed during the collective test on Friday dominated by Carlos Sainz (DAMS), Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports) took his second pole position of the year. However, the British driver, ceded under the pressure from Roberto Merhi (Zeta Corse). With wins at the Moscow Raceway and the Nürburgring already to his credit, the Spaniard won ahead of Pierre Gasly (Arden Motorsport), who overtook Oliver Rowland in the very last corner. The next day, the Zeta Corse driver came out on top in a three driver battle in qualifying against Carlos Sainz and Norman Nato (DAMS). With a superior start, the French driver scored his second victory of the season. Roberto Merhi and Pierre Gasly completed the podium. Carlos Sainz finished sixth and is now just 16 points ahead of compatriot in the battle for the championship.
Race 1: 1- R. Merhi, ESP (Zeta Corse), 2- P. Gasly, FRA (Arden Motorsport), 3- O. Rowland, GBR (Fortec Motorsports)…
Race 2: 1- N. Nato, FRA (DAMS), 2- R. Merhi, ESP (Zeta Corse), 3- P. Gasly, FRA (Arden Motorsport)…
General classification: 1- C. Sainz 177 pts, 2- R. Merhi 161 pts, 3- P. Gasly 136 pts…
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 : Nyck de Vries pulls away
Beaten by Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) in the fight for the ALPS championship, wild-card entry Charles Leclerc (Fortec Motorsports) set best time in the collective tests. On Saturday, it was Andrea Pizzitola (Manor MP Motorsports) claiming the pole in the waning moments of the session. The French driver then kept Charles Leclerc and Nyck de Vries at bay for his second win of the season in the category. On Sunday, Jack Aitken (Fortec Motorsports) dominated qualifying before going on to become the seventh different winner in ten races this year. Charles Leclerc made it a one-two finish for Fortec Motorsports, while Ignazio D’Agosto claimed the third step on the podium. In the general classifications, Nyck de Vries increased his lead to 46-points from Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam). The member of the McLaren Young Driver Development Programme could clinch the title at the next round.
Race 1: 1- A. Pizzitola, FRA (Manor MP Motorsport), 2- C. Leclerc, MON (Fortec Motorsports), 3- N. de Vries, NED (Koiranen GP)…
Race 2: 1- J. Aitken, GBR (Fortec Motorsports), 2- C. Leclerc, MON (Fortec Motorsports), 3- I. D’Agosto, ITA (Koiranen GP)…
General classification: 1- N. de Vries 154 pts, 2- D. Olsen 108 pts, 3- A. Pizzitola 94 pts…
The next round will be held in France at the Paul Ricard Circuit where the Eurocup Clio will make its return to action alongside the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 on 27and 28 September.
